Rev Esp Cardiol
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Comparative Study
[Tako-tsubo syndrome associated with a long course of the left anterior descending coronary artery along the apical diaphragmatic surface of the left ventricle].
Tako-tsubo-like transient left ventricular apical ballooning has been described in Japan, but few cases have been reported in Western countries. We report one of the first series outside Japan, which provides new information on the coronary anatomy of this disorder. ⋯ All our patients with tako-tsubo syndrome had a left anterior descending with a long recurrent segment. The identical ventriculographic findings in patients with tako-tsubo syndrome and those with acute myocardial infarction with a long recurrent segment may be due to a common etiology.
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We report a woman with a VVI pacemaker and a history of stroke and severe hypoxemia due to a right-to-left shunt. Anomalous blood flow was through a patent foramen oval, and was related directly with severe tricuspid regurgitation because the ventricular pacemaker electro de was adhered to the tricuspid valve. She was treated successfully with surgery. We review the role of patent foramen ovale from a clinical point of view, and current therapeutic options.
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In the last few years there have been changes in the pattern of consumption of antihypertensive drugs in Spain. This study aimed to describe the pattern of use in Spain from 1995 to 2001, its compliance with guidelines, and its economic impact. An aim of particular interest for our study was the impact of angiotensin II receptor antagonists on the consumption of the drugs from other therapeutic subgroups. ⋯ The consumption of antihypertensive drugs in Spain has increased remarkably in the last 7 years. Likewise, costs have increased proportionately, although the contributions of different therapeutic subgroups have been unequal. The impact of angiotensin II receptor antagonists has been considerable, both on consumption and on costs.